Word
配慮
Meaning in Englishconsideration, concern, forethought
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
配慮 means showing consideration for others or a situation by taking their needs into account, aiming to prevent trouble or offense and to respond sensitively and appropriately.
Main meanings
- Consideration for others, ensuring actions take others' needs and feelings into account.
- Thoughtful planning or accommodation in policies, events, or communication to avoid problems.
- Social tact and sensitivity in everyday interactions, avoiding offense through mindful language or behavior.
How to use it
Used in formal and semi-formal contexts in Japanese, including business, education, healthcare, and public policy; often combined with する to form 配慮する; common in official documents, meeting notes, and polite conversation; preferred over more casual terms when signaling attentiveness to others.
Variants and close terms
- 思いやり (omoiyari) — consideration for others
- 慎重さ (shinchōsa) — prudence, carefulness
- 配慮不足 (hairyō fusoku) — lack of consideration
- 配慮する (hairyo suru) — the verb form meaning to show consideration
Composition
- 配: distribute, allocate; to set in place
- 慮: think, consider, mind
- Together they convey the act of giving mindful attention to others or circumstances
Etymology
配 means to distribute, allocate; 慮 means to think or mind; the combination uses Sino-Japanese readings that merged into hairyo, yielding the current pronunciation.
Word class
noun (suru-verb)
Related words by kanji and components
N1
配給
haikyuu
distribution (e.g., films, rice
N1
配偶者
haiguusha
spouse
N1
配置
haichi
arrangement (of resources), disposition
N1
配布
haifu
distribution
N1
配分
haibun
distribution, allotment
N1
配列
hairetsu
arrangement, array (programming)
N1
手配
tehai
arrangement, search (by police)
N1
分配
bumpai
division, sharing
N2
配る
kubaru
to distribute, to deliver